Blood Over Bright Haven

Why is nobody talking about this book! I devoured it one night and wish there was more.

It's a fascinating and complex magic system based on principles of mathematics and software engineering. The plot artfully explores dynamics of oppression, inequality, and religious doctrines through the POV of the main characters as they struggle to understand each others' experiences and world views.

Other reviews describe the main character as unlikeable, but I personally found her to be beautifully flawed and relatable. She is an accurate depiction of an intellectual, driven, obsessive woman trying to make it in a male dominated field while balancing work politics, morals and her own identity struggles. I think career-oriented women will find her quandaries strike a chord.

The relationships are beautiful and unfold slowly and sweetly. It's imperfect and both characters hurt each other at times, but genuinely seek to understand each other, respect each other, and grow through their relationship. Their difference in class and belief systems offers the requisite relationship tension needed to carry the plot. So refreshing in a fantasy novel!

This will definitely be one of my most loved books of the year. Can't wait to see more from this author.